2012 NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen

By: Roshan Bhagat

Mario Williams (HOU) - DE - Mario Williams just suffered any players' nightmareĐa season ending injury in a contract year. Fortunately for Williams, he has a proven track record and had the production prior to the injury with 4 sacks through 4.5 games. For a Texans defense that survived without him and a franchise tag that would cost them $23 million, there seems to be reason to believe the former #1 overall pick may end up elsewhere next season. Imagine that, a former number one overall with 2 All-Pros that isn't re-signed after his rookie contract. It's not a sure bet, but very possible.

Jason Jones (TEN) - DT - When healthy, Jason Jones is one of the league's better interior pass rushers. He has an explosive first step in getting upfield and disrupting a quarterback's ability to step up into a clean pocket. However, last year the Titans moved him out to defensive end, where he struggled to match his productivity from years past. If that's where they expect to play Jones, his value will certainly be greater outside of Tennessee.

Antonio Garay (SD) - NT - Just as quickly as they lost Jamal Williams, the Chargers thought they had replaced him at nose tackle with another Pro Bowl caliber player. However, after a stellar 2010 season, Garay took a slight step backward in 2011. If the Chargers need to enter a bidding war for his services, it's reported they'll bow out rather quickly.

John Abraham (ATL) - DE - The Falcons went out this past offseason to acquire Ray Edwards to improve the pass rush. Though Abraham is aging, he's still easily the Falcons top pass rusher. His production, even on a snap count, can't be easily replaced, but the team still won't pay him the $8 million a year they did in 2011.

Sione Pouha (NYJ) - NT - The Jets aren't in a position with great depth in their front 7 where they can afford to allow productive starters to leave. Securing Pouha should be one of the organization's first objectives before they decide how to improve their roster through external acquisitions.